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To make a full recovery from the crisis, Europe certainly needs more growth, better cohesion, and efficient economic and monetary governance. The ECO Section is closely involved in fostering these objectives. We deal with crucial and sometimes controversial issues like fiscal harmonisation, monetary policy, the regulation of financial markets, the EU budget, cohesion policy and macro regional strategies, growth and jobs, and the future shape of Economic and Monetary Union.

It may be one of the EU’s most important achievements, but the Single Market still has its problems. The INT Section works to oil the wheels and propose measures to make the system fully operational by preparing opinions on matters relating to the smooth operation of the single market, industrial policy, and research and development.

In a European Union of 28 countries, ease of mobility for people and ideas is essential. The TEN Section is responsible for monitoring transport policy and projects, including major cross-border infrastructure networks. But we also cover a wider range of topics including energy production and distribution, the information society, and services of general interest. In order to promote progress in these fields, the section works closely with European civil society organisations.

The SOC Section’s prime concern is to improve the welfare of all European citizens. Through our activities, our members contribute to the fight against poverty, discrimination and marginalisation. We are able to influence the work of the European Commission, Parliament and Council in order to bring about fairer policies in areas like employment and working conditions, immigration, family, health, disability, culture, sport and citizenship.

The NAT Section focuses above all on preserving the environment and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources. This requires close monitoring of the development of Europe’s common agricultural policy, and supporting the fight against climate change. Air quality, biodiversity, waste management, fisheries, food safety, civil protection and animal health and welfare all fall within our remit.

Europe is a major actor on the global stage. The EU aims to lead by example, through its relations with other countries, setting good practice in areas like employment conditions and social solidarity, trade, sustainable development, and environmental protection. Through the REX Section, we monitor the EU’s external relations. We support and develop partnerships with civil society organisations in other countries, especially those where the EU has established a structured dialogue. The section also covers policy on trade and development.

The Consultative Commission on Industrial Change (CCMI) is the direct successor of the European Coal and Steel Community's Consultative Committee. The CCMI looks at industrial change issues across a wide spectrum of industrial sectors. The CCMI's main emphasis is on anticipation, pre-emption and analysis so as to ensure positive common approaches to the management of industrial change from an economic, social, territorial and environmental point of view.